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Resource Dynamics and Sustainable Utilization

FEM30806

About this course

This course deals with the extraction of resources from natural ecosystems. Resource use includes the exploitation of timber, the collection of fruits and resin, the extraction of wood for biomass production, and hunting of wildlife. Ideally such resources are exploited in a sustainable way, but how should that be defined? And how is sustainable resource use quantified? These and other questions will be investigated. You will get hands-on experience in quantifying effects of resource utilization on future resource availability and ecosystem characteristics.
In this course we will consider the following topics:

  1. Status of resources exploited from natural ecosystems worldwide: timber, non-timber, wildlife
  2. Exploitation as a conservation strategy
  3. Quantification of availability of timber and wildlife as resources
  4. Analysis of the natural dynamics of populations or ecosystems providing resources
  5. Effects of exploitation on future resource availability

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this course, students are expected to be able to:

  • explain the status of natural resource use and the concept of exploitation in conservation;
  • analyse the availability, variability and value of natural resources using inventory data;
  • apply simple modelling tools to evaluate resource dynamics, effects of resource use and future resource availability;
  • evaluate the sustainability of a resource use system and provide management advice;
  • reflect on the concept of sustainability and the role of science and scientists in evaluating this.

Prior knowledge

Mandatory Knowledge:
ZSS06200 Fieldwork Safety
Assumed Knowledge:
Bachelor in Biology, Forest and Nature Conservation, Plant Science or similar.

Resources

Additional information

  • Credits
    ECTS 6
  • Level
    bachelor
If anything remains unclear, please check the FAQ of Wageningen University.

Offering(s)

  • Start date

    28 October 2024

    • Ends
      20 December 2024
    • Term *
      Period 2
    • Location
      Wageningen
    • Instruction language
      English
    Course is currently running
These offerings are valid for students of Utrecht University